----------------- ----------------- |  | | Last Updated: Friday, 26 March, 2004, 17:55 GMT |
Scotland: First Minister's Questions (25/03/04)
| | The First Minister has told members there are no further plans to decommission Scotland's fishing fleet despite a report from the Downing Street Strategy Unit suggesting otherwise. But Jack McConnell's weekly question session also saw him admit that the fishing industry may need to be smaller to be sustainable. He was responding to repeated questioning from both the SNP and the Conservatives on the matter. Questions John Swinney (Leader of the SNP, North Tayside) asked how the first minister can reconcile a policy of no further decommissioning with a Downing Street report that recommended decommissioning.
The First Minister said there are no plans for decommissioning and that he wants to ensure a sustainable future for the industry. David McLetchie (Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Lothian) called for the scrapping of the Common Fisheries policy.
The First Minister argued that "we have got the common fisheries policy moving in the right direction." Robin Harper (Leader of the Green Party, Lothians) picked the FM up about his policy on GM crops. He wanted to know why full powers have not been used to oppose GM.
The First Minister says the 'precautionary principle' has been accepted and scientific advice is being taken. Sarah Boyack (Edinburgh Central, Labour) wanted to know if there is a threat to Scottish Water's public status.
The First Minister says that no threat is posed to "Scottish Water's status as a public corporation". Murray Tosh (West of Scotland, Conservative) asked what will be done to ensure more affordable housing.
The First Minister says the Barker review's recommendations will be looked at. Colin Fox (Lothians, SSP) asked about the low numbers of council houses being built.
The First Minister says "we have moved on" and families want to buy houses rather than rent them. Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands, SNP) asked whether the FM was aware that the bulk of the Highlands and Islands doesn't benefit from MoD money.
The First Minister claimed that MoD investment should be supported.You can see First Minister's Questions from Scotland every Saturday on BBC Parliament from 1000 GMT
| | WATCH AND LISTEN BBC Parliament broadcasts Scottish FMQs
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